Blue-green algae

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-003493",
  "term": "Blue-green algae",
  "field": "Environment",
  "term_source": "Blue-Green Algae",
  "definition": "1. A group of phytoplankton and periphyton organisms with a blue pigment in addition to a green pigment called chlorophyll. Blue-green algae can cause nuisance water-quality conditions in lakes and slow-flowing rivers; however, they are found commonly in streams throughout the year.\n\n2. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are frequently found in freshwater systems. They can also be found in estuarine and marine waters in the U.S. Cyanobacteria are often confused with green algae, because both can produce dense mats that can impede activities like swimming and fishing, and may cause odor problems and oxygen depletion; however, unlike cyanobacteria, green algae are not generally thought to produce toxins. Some freshwater cyanobacterial blooms or cyanoHABs are able to produce highly potent toxins, known as cyanotoxins.",
  "subject": "Biological substances",
  "references": [
    "USGS Water Resources Data State, 2005 Definition of Terms",
    "How's My Waterway Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/blue-green-algae/"
}